Study of the American federal republic and political system. Focuses on the constitutional structure, limits and operation of the federal government, protection of individual rights, federal-state relations, political processes, and dynamic changes in the government system over time.

Introduction to such modern political ideologies as Classical Liberalism, Democratic and Totalitarian Socialism, Conservatism, Fascist Totalitarianism, and Environmentalism. Focuses on the nature of ideological thinking, the logic and internal structures of various ideologies, and their effects in practice.

PSCI 260 Introduction to State and Local Government(Old Course: POL 201)

3 semester credits

Introductory study of state and local government, including constitutions, legislatures, supreme courts, governors’ administrative agencies in their historic and contemporary settings. County and city governments are included in the scope of this course.

This is a study of political economy focusing on what modern public choice and public interest models say about the proper boundaries of the public and private sectors. It analyzes the rent-seeking activities of special interest groups and the relative impacts of altruism and self-interest in explaining political behavior and governmental policies in democratic systems. The material focuses on the nature of public goods, market failures, government regulation, and wealth redistribution, among other topics. Theoretical, historical, and empirical forms of evidence are brought to bear on the issues.